Forces Invade Indian Shrine, Seize Militant Sikh Leaders

AMRITSAR, INDIA — Security forces stormed the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, to flush out suspected terrorists one day after militant Sikh leaders declared an independent Sikh nation.

Shots were heard inside the complex but police and paramilitary commandos reported no resistance during the operation, and no casualties were reported.

Authorities said about 100 people were detained but offered no details. Police in the state capital of Chandigarh earlier said security forces intended to detain five militant Sikh leaders suspected of terrorist offenses. After giving the public five minutes to clear the area and appealing to Sikh pilgrims to leave, security forces rushed the temple at 4:50 p.m., breaking into all of the rooms inside the white marble complex except for the main shrine.

The operation continued late into the night. About 300 army commandos were flown to Amritsar and stood ready to enter the golden-domed temple. An indefinite curfew was imposed around the complex and police patrolled the area.

The action came one day after the Sikh leaders declared an independent Sikh nation named Khalistan, or Land of the Pure.